Wow! What an emotional day. This will probably be the hardest post I have ever written. Not only is it my 33rd Birthday today but also a monumental day. Today the Supreme Court strikes down federal provision on same-sex marriage benefits. This is huge and I am so happy about this right now.

Today’s blog post will be a little different than my normal crafty post. Since Jaderbomb started almost 3 years ago I have shared many things with you and important milestones in my life however I have not shared 100% of who I am with you. You have become a huge part of my daily life and I will forever be grateful for the love and support, which is why I want to share with you about who Jade really is.

I have struggled with many things in my life but the one thing that I always have is support. My family and friends are the reason I am who I am today. They love me unconditionally and that is something I am thankful for. It’s only 10 am and my day has been very awesome so far. Did I mention this was a hard post? I have deleted about 6 paragraphs and started over and over again. I came out about 10 years ago and it was the best feeling in the world. Finally being able to be who I really am was such a relief. My heart aches for anyone who is scared or can’t come out. I had to bury who I was for years prior to coming out and that is not fun, plus I live in the South. Don’t get me wrong I love where I am from but it’s not California, haha! I have had loads of support since I came out and I think if I didn’t I would be a troubled little soul by now!

I am Jade, a true Southern girl who loves my family and friends, a blogger, a lover of gold glitter, madly in love with coke in a bottle (cold), big time coffee drinker and I am GAY. This may matter to some and others might not care at all about what I just shared but this is my online home and it sure feels good to share this with you. WOW! I DID IT! What a monumental day, right!

If you are wondering why I have not shared this publicly yet, let me tell you. I am very passionate about what I do online and I think it shows. The one thing I did not ever want was someone judging me because of my sexual orientation. This little part of me does not matter to some but I have had many bloggers stop communicating with me because of this. Some shocked me but in the end they were negative people and I like to surround myself with positive. I think it’s a sad thing if you ask me. People can be cruel and this is why I felt it was not the best thing to do. In the last year I have gotten really close to many awesome people in the crafting world. Slowly as I became closer to these people I would share with them this “secret” hoping they would react in a positive way. They all did! When I would share with them the bloggers who have been ugly to me they got super upset because they felt it was not important what I did in my personal life. My friend Margot told me once that it was their loss and they would realize it one day. I know that is something anyone could tell me but for some reason when she said it to me it was special. So thanks to all of you (you know who you are) who love me 24-7. I hope this allows you to feel closer to me, after all I am still the same Jaderbomb!

P.S. For anyone who feels stuck in any way just know that releasing who you are is better than holding it in to please anyone! Plus, I love you and will ALWAYS be here for you!

Hi Jade, I just wanted to take a second to congratulate you on your very well written article and the courage it took to write it. Well done! I love the picture of you and your partner, and yes, it made me smile.

THIS. Are you kidding me with this? This is awesome. You are awesome. Your partner is one lucky (and gorgeous lady). I am sooooo happy to see that you have built a community and can share this with all of us. You are a wonder and a credit to ladyfolk everywhere. I am so proud to call myself one of your many followers. We need more crafty bloggers like YOU.

Peachesssssss <3 (insert BIG CHEESY SMILE HERE) You are awesome-merrrr fa real! I am totally luck because she has been putting up with me for over a decade now! HAHA…It was VERY hard to share this but I feel free as a dove soaring in the clear blue sky… Glad you are in my life! Keep in touch, or else. HEHE!

Be all you, all the time!! I think you’re fantastic… as a blogger, a crafter, a person, and… well, we’ll just have to work on your drinks of choice! ; ) Good for you for posting something that must feel so freeing! Enjoy this wonderful day, you’ve earned it!

Jade,
OK, I’m crying! I am so happy for you (and your partner). As the mother of a gay daughter (I have known since she was three–looong before she even knew), the sister and cousin of a few gay men (sounds like a movie title), I can’t tell you how happy I am with the decision today –its about time the world get’s with the program–baby steps I suppose.

But that isn’t what caused my tears. They are because you opened up and shared with us the most important part of who you are–So many amazing people are too afraid to and that is so sad to me. I still find it so incredible that parents can (especially in this day and age) turn their backs on children they claim to love, that friends can walk away and that people who call themselves Christians can look down and condemn God’s creation!.

My daughter was raised in a place that was loving and accepting–she is 35 now and came out the day after she graduated high school (at least she thought she was coming out–we all knew who she was long before she “admitted” it! it was actually really funny)-Nobody blinked! As a matter of fact the only thing that changed was she wasnt allowed to have girls sleep over anymore–only boys! So many kids dont have that luxury–it sounds like you did. Anyway, stay as proud of who you are always, and for those that do have a problem with it, maybe God will help them out a little with their ignorance. (People seem to forget that the Bible was written by people, in another language and translated and rewritten hundreds of times, and as such is subject to the perception and bias of the people behind the pen) There’s always hope! sorry for the rambling! LOL

Karen! Awe…I am so happy my post touched you, that was what I wanted. I just want people to know that it does not matter at all who we choose to live our lives with. I agree 100% with everything you said and I wish I could hang out with you one day! Please keep in touch cause you are obviously a special person! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on my post <3 BIG HUGS! Jade

First, Happy birthday!!!
Second, I follow MochaMomma (Kelly) and she directed us to your blog. Now that I see it, I’m not leaving! You rock!
Third, thank you for sharing your personal life and bless you for being brave.
Fourth, anyone who loves coffee and glitter is darn fine in my book. I look forward to reading more from you!

As beautiful as it gets! You, your love (partner), your heart, your words…ALL of you! It absolutely breaks my heart that SO many people have to live in such pain for this BS! Love is Love. It’s as simple as that! I can’t WAIT for the day that who you lie with at night is no longer anyones concern. SO proud of you for being brave enough to be “you” & for sharing your soul. I support you a million percent & always wish you the absolute world! What a PERFECT day to celebrate your Birthday! Hope it’s one of your best! Keep Shining, Sweetheart! XO

I am happy you shared with us. I just spoke to my brother in California, he is gay as well (and married).
I am very happy for him and his spouse, and you can imagine they are both thrilled. I cannot wait for the rest of the country to catch up. Happy days to you and your partner, and also Happy Birthday young lady! (:

Happy Birthday! I am very, very disappointed. I can’t believe I’ve never seen your blog before! Thank goodness you’re friends with Kelly Wickham pointed you out today, or I would have missed all of your fabulous ideas. And your lovely honesty. I hope the world has treated you well today…and every day.

Congratulations on your online “coming out”, and on the Supreme Court ruling. What a great birthday present!

However, I think you might have been mistaken in the way you stated what you wanted to be judged by. You said you didn’t want to be judged by who you are. Of course you want to be judged for who you are, and how you live your life. We all do. What we DON’T want is to be judged by only one part of our life, or only one part of who we are. We are all so much more than our sexual orientation, as your blog shows so well.

Do what makes you happy (and you look very happy in the lovely photo) – it doesn’t matter what any one else thinks. Brings to mind an old saying i once heard …..
“Those that matter don’t mind, but those that mind don’t matter”
Happy birthday from over here in the UK

Hello Jade, congratulations, on your birthday, and on your coming out online like this. I came out years ago, and in my daily life, to me it’s the most ‘normal’ thing there is… this is me, and i’m gay… i don’t say it like that, but i will talk about ‘my girlfriend’ and not ‘my partner’ openly, without worries. I think it is courageous of you to write this on your blog, knowing, that yes indeed, some people might drop out because of it, but it’s time for the world to grow up, time to realize that we are all around, and that we are like any other person. It’s especially important that as many of us as possible come out, to support those people who are still afraid to do so, to make others aware of this… So, great that you wrote this, and great for the US, that the Supreme Court rejected Doma, and hopefully, this will be the start for many more states to consider approving gay marriage ! I’m from Belgium, gay marriage has been legal here for years, but i am always happy with every new country that follows, or that changes laws in favor of us ! And by the way… the picture of you and your partner made me smile too ! Take care, and keep up the good crafting work ! Ann.

Sweeeeet girl! <3 I'm so happy for you! This took a lot of guts and I'm glad you were able to do it! NO ONE should have to hide who they are nor whom they love! Everyone should be able to shout it from the rooftops! <3 So screw anyone who doesn't agree, you are better off without them anyways! If they can't see you for who are (which is an AMAZING, CREATIVE, TALENTED woman) then you don't need them in your life! LOVE the pic, and your girl is lucky, as I'm sure you are as well! Congrats to the two of you and may you always live in a world full of glitter, happiness and most of all, LOVE!
xoxo
Evey

Big, happy hugs to you! I’m writing your name on my band uniform (hopefully in glitter) to celebrate you and your partner when I march in Chicago’s Pride parade. I understand why you haven’t come out online until now because I had on line friends stop communicating with me when I came out as an ally on my blogs earlier this year but other on line friends rallied and everything turned out OK.

It does matter about your “orientation”. It matters that however you orient yourself, that it’s true to who you are. If people truly love you, appreciate you, care about you, it will matter to them that your “orientation” is true and strong. Seems to me, you have that part down pat.

And totally off the subject, where did you get that beautiful statement necklace?

Debs Thanks!!!!!! That is very sweet, everything that you said. If you are talking about the Turquoise necklace I made it. I bought the beads at Michaels and I just strung it on a piece of elastic! It’s SO easy. Might do a tutorial so keep an eye out! XX Jade

I’m a fairly new visitor here, and I really like it! Congrats on your coming out. I have a nephew who is gay, my brother-in-law is gay, several cousins are too. So I really can’t be anti-gay, it’s all in the family! I don’t understand how people can be so judgmental and hateful about friends, family members and other people in our communities who have a different sexual orientation (when they find out). So what? I don’t care about what other people do in their own bedroom when they are hetero, why would I care what they do if they are gay? Duh…..It ain’t none of their business either way! You go, girl! Just be happy, and keep on being creative!

Jade – Congratulations on your birthday and coming out to your followers. I hope this move and this Supreme Court action lightens your life and strengthens your relationships with all of us Americans. I came over here from Aunt Peaches, and will be a frequent visitor in the future. Expect more followers. I just hope that every one that is LBGT can feel they can live their real life now, with grace and no judgment. It has been far too long. This has been a momentous week. I think someone ought to rush over to Spoonflower Fabrics and create a Wendy Davis pink sneaker, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Edith forgot her last name Toile. Wouldn’t that be great? Remember the pink ribbon for breast cancer? I think we ought to start a movement with a tiny hot pink sneaker to tell men to keep their laws and opinions off our bodies and their mouths shut. Ann

Found you through Aunt Peaches. Congratulations on your birthday, your bravery, and most of all , your happy life. Try to remember that the small-minded are to be pitied. Think of all of the fantastic people they have excluded from their lives. I’ll be visiting often.

I am a new follower to your blog, but reading this post really touched me…..I have had many struggles in my life as well and have sought unconditional love for my whole life. I completely respect you, and I know with this post, you’ve touched many lives, a lot who prob will never comment. But I did want to say I know it takes a lot of courage to come out and I can’t imaginethe struggles you’ve been thru. I would classify myself more bi than gay, but I really have to choose carefully who I share this with cuz it’s not easily accepted… so on that note, you have a reader forever from me!! Way to blaze the trail!! I admire you so much. tfts and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

Congrats on this post and KUDOS to you!!!!!
Although, it saddens me greatly that there have been “judgers” in the blogasphere with your “personal” life. How sad. Two steps forward one step back. I love your blog!

Jade, I have known you since the day you were born, beautiful then and still beautiful now!!!! I am so proud of you for what you have accomplished in your life :). When I met your friend the other day I knew that you guys were very special to each other. I am very happy for you. You have taken a big step in coming out and if ANYONE turns away from you because of this, then they were never worth having in your life!!! Live your life as you please and be happy. Love and hugs to you always

Jade , Jade, Jade, What led me to your page was a post from your Mom on fb….This is my favorite blog of the YEAR:) I have a 23 yr old son and he is gay….He came out when he was 15….His name is Ernie Henry…Chester is his uncle:) I would not have my son any other way, EVER!!….From the moment he told me…I didn’t care….Not even this much:) I am in awe of you……You made me cry….happy happy happy tears:) When he initially came out….some would give me their “condolences”???? Some told me to take him to a Doctor??????? I would answer with….HE’S GAY…HE’S NOT DYING!! As far as taking him to a Dr…I would play it out for them…Okay…so I make an appt….we go in…Dr: So what’s wrong with Ernie today? Me: Well he’s Gay but not running fever …..ha ha:) Dr: Miss? You need a shrink!!!!:) Just wanted to share some of those things w/ you…..I don’t even know you and , I adore you!!!! I’ve always told Ernie to be true to himself…and that’s what you’ve made clear here today….You are who you are….you are wonderful…you are beautiful and you are loved:) Thanks for making my day:) Gina Verrett:)

Gina: Thanks so much for this sweet comment. I love your story of the “Dr”. It’s so true though about that situation because I have been through that. I guess I am glad my mom shared this on her FB page but I am not friends with her on there so I really don’t know her reasons. I am actually shocked she even “shared” that with her friends. And every “gay” kid or adult hears horrible things at some point. Good thing is I am not one to let things bother me, haha. I am glad you enjoy my blog! HUGS!!!

I am SO HAPPY for you. Not only because you can share your truth but that you feel comfortable with you (as EVERYONE should feel this way) and have the courage to face whatever may come (you shouldn’t HAVE to consider this ever.) When my kids were younger, we would (and still do) have many conversations about gay rights. To explain to my sons when in some cases their friends were raised by biggots was a tall task … I basically told them this… How would you feel if loving a girl wasn’t OK. You were told by EVERYONE that you HAD to love boys. PERIOD. EVEN if you didn’t, you just HAD TO and that was the way it was… They said they just wouldn’t… I said well, but you HAVE to… NOTHING ELSE IS ACCEPTABLE..They said they wouldn’t anyway… So I told them that’s exactly what gay rights is all about. No one has the right to tell ANYONE who to love. PERIOD. SO what one is doing when they don’t believe in gay rights, it means they are not allowing gay people to be who they really are. SO they have to pretend to love someone they dont, sometimes even marry even tho they aren’t happy just because it’s what is “accepted”. I am SO glad that we live in a world (wish it had happened a long long time ago) that you can be YOU because I personally think that is a ROCKIN FANTASTIC way to be <3 and HONORED that you shared this with us. Have a wonderful and CRAFTY weekend!

Melissa: Thank you SO much! I can say it’s been a hard road but I would not pick another road to go on! I love your story and what you taught your sons! That is SO powerful and important. I NEVER thought about it like that but I WILL NOW! I wish I could HUG you!

Love you to pieces! I don’t think it’s anyone’s business but I understand, and appreciate, why you wrote the post.

When our middle son came out at age 21, his grandmother was very upset and wondered why his dad, my husband, wasn’t. He said, I’ll love him forever no matter what. And besides, I’m not gonna sleep with him, what do I care?

Be who you are, however you want to be. LoA, my friend, LoA. Be happy and happiness will come back to you. ♥

It makes me sad to hear that bloggers have been judgmental and snubbed you! You are one of the most vivacious, talented, always encouraging, always positive, always smiling, and most gorgeous bloggers I know! Happy and proud to call you my friend!

Hi Jade!
I’m probably very late but I’m new in the crafty world and so I just got to know you a bit from the posts you have on your blog! Even though I don’t really know you, I just felt really happy for you being able to tell us who you truly are, you must feel a weight has been lifted off your shoulders! It should never be a problem in the world we are living in today but there is always exceptions! Glad I bumped on your site, you got amazing ideas! Jen from Montreal, Canada.

Jade, I’m fairly new here–and this is the most fantastic blog post I’ve read in a while. Kudos to you for being proud of who you are! I hope you have found much love and support., and that your confidence inspires others. Blessings to you, darling!

Jade you’re awesome! I love you no matter what, you’re incredibly talented and have such a stellar personality. I know that sharing this with the world can be difficult and I’m proud to call you my friend.
xoxo
Cathy